PSU highlights, lowlights

November 27, 2011

MADISON, Wis. - Following are the highlights and lowlights from Penn State's 45-7 loss to Wisconsin on Saturday at Camp Randall Stadium:

Play of the game: After Wisconsin took a 21-7 lead late in the second quarter, the Lions' Michael Zordich fumbled the ensuing kickoff. The Badgers recovered at the PSU 31, setting up Wisconsin's 28-7 halftime lead.

Offensive player of the game: Wisconsin tailback Montee Ball rushed for 156 yards on 25 carries - an average of 6.2 per attempt - and four touchdowns.

Defensive player of the game: Badger linebacker Conor O'Neill made six tackles and forced and recovered a fumble.

Most telling statistic: Wisconsin dominated time of possession, 38:17-21:43.

Hidden statistic: The Lions converted just four of 15 third- and fourth-down opportunities.

Best run: Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson broke Jack Crawford's tackle and shook loose for 19 yards to the PSU 4 in the second quarter.

Best pass: We'll throw PSU a bone for Matt McGloin's 44-yard touchdown to Curtis Drake that gave the Lions a 7-0 lead early.

Catch it, will ya: Devon Smith had a chance for a great, diving catch in the first quarter but couldn't hang on. Silas Redd also dropped two screen passes.

Hold it, won't ya: See play of the game. Redd also fumbled on the Lions' second play of the second half and Lion punt returners Justin Brown and Drew Astorino both fumbled.

Best call: On second-and-10 from the PSU 19 inside the last minute of the first half, Wilson flipped a shovel pass that Ball turned into a 15-yard gain to the PSU 4. On the next play, Wisconsin took a 28-7 lead.

Worst call: Splitting hairs but thought the Lions could have gone for a field goal, down 35-7, on fourth-and-7 from the Badger 25 with 10 minutes left in the third quarter.

Best tackle: Wiscy corner Peniel Jean stopped Moye short of a first down on fourth-and-7 in the third quarter.

Worst tackle(s): Several Lions missed open tackles on Wilson and Ball.

Best hit: Badger linebacker Chris Borland came up quickly to drill Redd in the third quarter.

Worst coverage: Lion cornerback Chaz Powell gave too much room on a slant pattern, and Wilson easily hit Jared Abbrederis for a 22-yard touchdown pass that tied the game at 7.

Best kick: Anthony Fera boomed a 56-yard punt in the second quarter, getting the Lions out of a hole.

Worst kick(s): Wisconsin kickoff man Philip Welch was effective with his pooches, but he also kicked two out of bounds, providing good field position that the Lions couldn't exploit.

Worst penalty: McGloin's unsportsmanslike penalty for spiking the ball in frustration in the second quarter cost Penn State 15 yards.

Best effort: Wilson completed 19-of-29 passes for 186 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. He also rushed seven times for 26 yards.

Unsung hero: Abbrederis accounted for 164 yards of total offense - 93 receiving on seven catches and 72 more in kickoff and punt returns.